Gunmen attack mourners, kill 10 in Plateau
Gunmen have reportedly launched a deadly attack on mourners in the Ruwi community of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals.
The incident occurred on Thursday night as mourners gathered at a deceased family’s house to pay their respects. Eyewitnesses recounted that the victims were primarily women, with seven brutally clubbed to death with machetes, while three men were also among the casualties. Additionally, two women sustained injuries during the attack.
Mr. Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LG, confirmed the tragic event to The PUNCH on Friday, explaining that the attackers took advantage of the mourners’ gathering. Mallai stated that security personnel were alerted, but unfortunately, they arrived after the assailants had fled the scene.
“It was around 10pm on March 27, 2025, at Ruwi community,” Mallai said. “The victims were mostly women who came to mourn a loved one who died a natural death. They were simply following our tradition of gathering to support the bereaved family, some even spending the night.”
He expressed concern that the attackers, identified as killer Fulani herders, targeted the vulnerable group during this somber assembly. As news spread, the affected community found itself in a state of shock and mourning.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Mallai noted that there has been no retaliation from the community, although those in Bokkos town remain calm. However, in the immediate vicinity of the tragedy, crowds have gathered to lament the devastating loss.
Efforts to reach Alabo Alfred, Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off. This horrific attack follows a stakeholders meeting, held just a week prior, where farmers and herders had pledged to maintain peace in the region.Headline: Gunmen Attack Mourners in Plateau State, Killing Ten in Bokkos
Gunmen have reportedly launched a deadly attack on mourners in the Ruwi community of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals.
The incident occurred on Thursday night as mourners gathered at a deceased family’s house to pay their respects. Eyewitnesses recounted that the victims were primarily women, with seven brutally clubbed to death with machetes, while three men were also among the casualties. Additionally, two women sustained injuries during the attack.
Mr. Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LG, confirmed the tragic event to The PUNCH on Friday, explaining that the attackers took advantage of the mourners’ gathering. Mallai stated that security personnel were alerted, but unfortunately, they arrived after the assailants had fled the scene.
“It was around 10pm on March 27, 2025, at Ruwi community,” Mallai said. “The victims were mostly women who came to mourn a loved one who died a natural death. They were simply following our tradition of gathering to support the bereaved family, some even spending the night.”
He expressed concern that the attackers, identified as killer Fulani herders, targeted the vulnerable group during this somber assembly. As news spread, the affected community found itself in a state of shock and mourning.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Mallai noted that there has been no retaliation from the community, although those in Bokkos town remain calm. However, in the immediate vicinity of the tragedy, crowds have gathered to lament the devastating loss.
Efforts to reach Alabo Alfred, Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off. This horrific attack follows a stakeholders meeting, held just a week prior, where farmers and herders had pledged to maintain peace in the region.
Source: PUNCH
